“I close my eyes in order to see.” ~ Paul Gauguin
Gauguin was a French Post-Impressionist artist who achieved world acclaim. His paintings were of pastoral scenes, still lives, and people. They were very colorful. When you look at any of his paintings, you see more than the image expressed. Because of the colors he used and the manner in which he painted, you not only see the painting but you can feel the emotion it conveys.
There is more to seeing that just sight. I am certain any blind person would tell you that. I have met blind people throughout the years. There were several that were so skilled at mixing in with their environment that I would forget they were blind. They had so opened their other senses that, for all practical purposes, they could “see”.
“I close my eyes in order to see.” For me, that quote has an even deeper meaning. Many of us close our eyes when we go into deep prayer. I can’t tell you the number of adorations that I have attended. I would focus on the Eucharist in the monstrance and, before I knew it, my eyes were closed as I prayed to God. I had a sense that there was something wonderful there on the altar in front of me, yes. However, I realized that the same sense of wonder dwelled within me as well and I would close my eyes to communicate with Him.
When we close our eyes, it is often easier to process some of the things we are pondering. I’ve seen many a parent do that after listening to the excuses and/or stories given to them by their children. They would close their eyes in order to sort through all that had been said. This gave them a better opportunity to focus because they would become distracted if they kept their eyes open.
To that end, I know some priests who pretty much preach with their eyes shut. It’s almost as if they are speaking about what they are seeing inside. It can be a bit unnerving at first to see this. However, their presentation and content are spot-on. Closing their eyes, they are able to bring forth what is deep within.
Close your eyes and see the world around you, created in beauty and wonder and given to you to enjoy.
FAITH ACTION: As you pray today, spend some time with your eyes closed so that God may present to you what He wants you to see.